How to find out your head size to choose the right motorcycle helmet for it

Every page of the equipment catalog talks about how to find out your head size to select a helmet. Why is choosing the size of a motorcycle helmet actually a whole problem if the description of the method fits into just one sentence?

The most reliable way to choose a helmet according to your head size - physically coming to the store and fully trying it on that same head - is not always available. And not every manufacturer offers a free exchange if the size of the helmet sent by mail does not fit. Therefore, you need to order as accurately as possible, taking into account not only the size of your head, but also the size chart of a particular brand. Let's talk about how to find out this same size, and how to determine whether a helmet fits - by its markings.

How to measure your head for a helmet

You need to measure the skull along a horizontal circle, in the place where the helmet fits most tightly to the forehead and back of the head. If you don’t have a sewing “meter” at hand, which most online advisers recommend using, you can use any lace (belt, belt). Wrap it around your head, and measure the resulting segment on the table with a tape measure or ruler.

Important:

• Do not try to “tuck” your hair under the helmet or leave a “spare” for it.
• Do not try to “take into account” the reserve for ordinary optical glasses when measuring.
• Do not use rubber bands or elastic pieces of fabric to take measurements.
• There is no need to tighten the measuring cord, just apply it tightly.

Having fixed the length of the “loop” from a strap or lace with your finger, set it aside on a centimeter ruler. The resulting number - the circumference - will correspond to the Russian size of the headdress.

Where to measure head size

The girth, or circumference of the head is measured at its widest part. For a more accurate measurement, you need to take measurements several times, taking the larger of the obtained values ​​as a basis. Most often the widest part is 2 fingers above the eyebrows or 1 finger above the top edge of the ear, but everyone's head shape is different, so move the "belt" higher or lower.

Decorative devices – are they necessary?

The desire to stand out on the road and in the motorcycle crowd pushes bikers and passengers to think about decorative overlays on their helmets: various dreadlocks (in the Predator style), bright braids for girls, cat “ears” and so on. The traffic rules do not prohibit such “improvements”, but from a technical point of view they are not safe. Dreadlocks and braids can get caught while driving or in an accident. When driving at a certain speed, cat “ears” begin to tilt their head back, which causes great inconvenience to the owner. Yes, you can please yourself with such new products, but at themed events, and driving on public roads in such is undesirable.

What is head ovality and how to determine it

The second (after volume) indicator that determines whether a specific motorcycle helmet size will fit you normally is the cross-sectional shape of your head. It varies greatly among people from different countries, from different continents. How much is clearly illustrated in the figure:

Major manufacturers of motorcycle equipment produce individually designed versions for each of the major markets in the world: the States, Asia, and Europe. When ordering a helmet from one of the foreign sites, keep in mind that the “Asian” product will be designed for a medium and round “oval”, while the “European” and “American” ones will be designed for a more elongated (long) one. The easiest way to find out what kind of “oval” you have is to ask an assistant to photograph you in the same pose as the person in the picture.

The best manufacturers and brands

A young athlete will be protected during cross-country racing by a children's integral motorcycle helmet with enhanced protection of the chin and head, achieved by a specific design that covers the athlete's neck and head.

Children's integral motorcycle helmets are criticized as poorly ventilated, but it is their structure that absorbs and absorbs shock in case of accidents. In addition, the designers provided air ducts, so the rumors are greatly exaggerated.

An option more adapted for safe riding is a children's cross-country motorcycle helmet, with a modified arch on the chin, brought forward for easier exhalation and inhalation. In case of a fall, a child’s face and eyes will be protected from branches, lumps of sand and splashes of water not only by glasses, but also by a reinforced front visor. The motocross helmet incorporates the best of the integral to improve the safety of motocross athletes.

A children's motorcycle helmet will provide protection for the young athlete during cross-country racing.

For guys who are professionally passionate about racing, we can advise you to look at a children's motorcycle helmet from the Japanese manufacturer Michiru.

Main advantages of the brand:

• durable thermoplastic;
• adjustable visor;
• submandibular ventilation;
• comfortable fastening;
• scratch-resistant airbrush;
• attractive design and variable colors;
• hypoallergenic inner layer that can be washed.

Among the time-tested and experienced companies are products from IXS, ONEAL, THH, ICON or XTR.

How to determine the size of a motorcycle helmet

Moving on to the most important thing, let us recall that in the Russian marking of hats - the circumference in centimeters - is the “size”, but in the international and English size charts other names are accepted:

• XXXS (3XS)
• XXS (2XS)
• XS
• S
• M
• L
• XL
• 2XL (XXL)
• 3XL (XXXL)
• 4XL (XXXXL)

Where S is small (small English), M is medium (medium), and L is large (large). And by adding one, two, three “X” (extra) – the “larger” or “smaller” size is incrementally added relative to S or L.

Each letter index corresponds to specific head circumference numbers in centimeters and inches, but not every manufacturer has the same numbers. For some, size M is 57 cm, for others it is 58, and for others it is 59. And in order to finally “finish off” the buyer, some brands mark their motorcycle helmets with the MS and ML icons - medium-small and medium-large, leaving in these sizes the range is 3–4 cm.

With your own hands

Due to the popularity of the “Predator” motorcycle helmet, many articles have appeared on the Internet describing how to independently make such a helmet. A standard helmet is taken as a basis, covered with papier-mâché paper, and on top of this, using plasticine, it is given the shape of the front part of a “Predator” helmet. Then the plasticine mold is covered with fiberglass and impregnated with epoxy glue.

After drying, the mold is removed from the donor helmet and modified to its final form. After painting the manufactured mask and the main helmet, the mask is put on the helmet and secured.

The main function of a helmet is to protect the motorcyclist’s head in a traffic accident. Protection from wind, rain and other negative influences while driving is also an important function of a motorcycle helmet. Therefore, we do not recommend making a motorcycle helmet yourself for your safety.

A beautiful helmet can create a unique image for its owner, distinguishing him from the monotonous stream of “steel horse” lovers.

Why is everything so difficult

A motorcycle helmet consists of an outer and an inner part - a “shell” and a “filler”. The shell sizes of a motorcycle helmet, for all these XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL and more - depending on the manufacturer, there are 3, 4, 2 or even 1, and the tightness of the helmet fit on the motorcyclist's head is adjustable for account of the shape of the internal “filler”. The thickness of the absorbent EPS layer and the relief of the soft “pads” compensate for the difference in values.

A small number of shell options is cheaper and more convenient not only for the manufacturer, but also for the buyer. Especially when it comes to composite motorcycle helmets, where for each size you need to make a separate production line, and, accordingly, its payback must be included in the price of the product. But the helmet must fit tightly, which means it must follow the contour of the head, the oval of the face, especially in the cheek area, as accurately as possible. Regardless of the type - integral, motocross, or modular - if it is intended for a motorcycle, it is important that the helmet does not move due to vibration, during sharp turns of the head, or “dive” during landings and braking.

Manufacturers found a solution in additional elements of the inner soft lining of the “bowler”, making them removable. Cheek, occipital and forehead foam “pads”, which further reduce the internal volume of the model, are easily removed and installed back. Why install them back if they were removed first? Then, as you use it, the soft lining “sits”, denting the shape of the face, and the “bowler hat” begins to dangle on the head with a sudden movement, and this loose fit seriously reduces the effectiveness of protection during an impact.

Company question

Boxing equipment is manufactured by various companies. According to professional boxers, the products of famous brands specializing in this sport deserve the best recommendations. For example, products intended for MMA have a quite solid appearance, but have a shorter service life. And they often become unusable after a year. Boxing analogues do not lose excellent condition even after 2-3 years of intensive use.

Below are some of the most popular models from both categories.

Winning FG-2900 (Japan). Mainly used by professionals. Advantages:

• ease,
• convenience,
• high level of protection.

Flaws:

• weak defense of the occipital area,
• product material – artificial leather.

Price tag -...

Boxing helmet “Ultimatum” (Russia). This brand has the following products:

1. Boxing GEN3MEX. The product is made of genuine calfskin. Type of fastener: lacing. Color: black.

The helmet is made in Mexican style. It features a combination of optimal defensive performance, natural visibility and a comfortable fit.

The material of the inner surface perfectly absorbs moisture and prevents equipment from sliding over the head.

Product weight – 400 g.

Price tag – 8900 rub.

1. Boxing Gen3FaceBar. This is a boxing helmet with a plastic bumper. Provides maximum security. This is an excellent option for children and beginners. The rigid frame, made of very strong plastic, has a carefully designed geometry. And combined with the excellent defensive qualities of materials that absorb shock vibration, this makes the helmet unique.

The ammunition also has a three-size ruler. Therefore, adjusting the product for reliable fixation is not difficult.

Price – 13900 rub.

Response Head Guard. This is a product of Adidas. Designed for training. Peculiarities:

• combined materials PU3G and PU4G,
• reinforced composite protection in the front upper zone,
• powerful wear resistance,
• linings with anti-allergenic and anti-slip effect,
• availability of I-Comfort+ technology.

Price – 4900

How to choose a motorcycle helmet according to European markings

A UNECE certified motorcycle helmet will always be marked “ECE R 22.05” or “ECE 22.05”. This standard is usually written on the outside of the helmet (back or side).

It's not the helmet size, but the protection class. The degree of its compliance with standards: visibility, total weight, impact strength, resistance to longitudinal and transverse compression with a certain force. The tightness of the fit (helmet size) is also assessed when standardizing a specific model, but secondarily, the degree of displacement of the entire “pot” from the mannequin’s head when the strap is stretched is tested.

The label located on the lining or near the fastener carries more detailed information:

• Alphanumeric indices in a circle (E and numbers from 1 to 48) indicate the country for which the “kettle” was produced (where it was officially imported) and which accepted the “ECE 22.05” certification.
• Nearby, in the digital code, the initial “05” indicates the model’s compliance with this standard, the subsequent ones indicate the license number.
• The letter after the “/” – (P, NP, J) – encodes the type of helmet. P – full integral with a power chin bar, NP – a variant in which the chin bar is not included in the power frame, and J – ¾ model (open face, or open), without a chin bar. Modules are often marked with the double value J /P, or NP/J.

Many motorcycle helmets, except ECE, are marked with the DOT designation. This is an American standard that corresponds to a rather outdated testing regulation, the requirements of which, however, are still “de jure” – the main ones in the USA. Double marking is actually a pure “tautology”, because if a helmet has been tested using a more severe European method, it will withstand the loads of American certification with honor.

When comparing which is better - ECE or DOT (which even cheap shells made of ABS plastic are labeled with), choose ECE. But only if you are sure of the official origin of the marking. A good helmet cannot be too cheap, much less comfortable and reliable at the same time, so save up and buy a well-known brand.

Size designations in inches and UK system

Older helmets for the European market are often marked with English sizes, or measurements expressed in inches. They relate to domestic and international ones as follows:

Motorcycle protection equipment officially imported to the Russian market is marked with the standard international set “...XS, S, M, L, XL...”. Most often, the international size and coverage in centimeters are written on the nameplate next to it. Sometimes adding information about the weight and material of the shell.

You will only need to understand the fractional numbers of UK markings if you are buying a helmet abroad, or choosing a used helmet. Due to the deterioration of protective properties with use, and for hygiene reasons, purchasing used equipment is not recommended. Even if it's half the price.

Choosing a visor for a motorcycle helmet

The importance of protective glass (motorcycle helmet visor) is difficult to overestimate. It must combine high protective properties that protect the eyes from dust, water and dirt, and the face from the oncoming, sometimes frosty-scorching air flow, and at the same time, have excellent viewing qualities that allow one to fully assess the road situation.

When purchasing a motorcycle helmet, be sure to check whether the visor on this model is a replaceable part. The fact is that the glass ages much faster than the helmet itself, due to the abrasive action of the air flow or due to clouding under the influence of sudden temperature changes or chemicals.

The visor must have a good fastening that securely fixes it both in the working, lowered position, and when it is raised up.

Many motorcyclists use tinted visors, which are very helpful when riding on a bright sunny day. However, with the onset of twilight or night darkness, visibility with such glass will be close to critical. Therefore, if you have the financial opportunity, it is better to purchase several removable glasses for driving in different conditions.

A separate topic is glass fogging. Some manufacturers advertise their visors as having a special anti-fog coating. It actually helps well at first, but quite quickly scratches and cloudiness appear on it, which sharply reduces the viewing qualities of the protective glass.

To combat this phenomenon, special aerosols or lubricants are also used, but this procedure requires regularity. A good solution is to use a special “Pinlock” system. This is an additional transparent film-type lens that fits tightly to the visor on the inside.

There are several modifications of pinlock - self-adhesive lenses or those attached to the visor with a screw connection. Some models of motorcycle helmets or replacement visors for them already have a built-in pinlock and give the owner the opportunity to periodically replace it, if necessary.

How to choose a motorcycle helmet based on your head size

This section contains the most complete summary data and tables of sizes of motorcycle helmets from popular manufacturers of motorcycle equipment, where their correspondence in centimeters is indicated. When ordering, remember the specifics of “ovality” and the difference in standards for each region. Try to buy equipment in a country whose inhabitants anthropometrically match your type.

Dimensions of AGV motorcycle helmet

Daytona size chart

ARAI Size Chart

NOLAN Size Chart

Schuberth size chart

SHOEI Size Chart

Size chart *Scorpion Exo

* Scorpion Exo helmets are known to run small, so it is recommended to buy them not according to size, but one size larger.

Airoh Size Chart

LS2 Size Chart

Blauer Size Chart

Reevu Size Chart

Some are exclusively the most popular sizes of motorcycle helmets, so in their assortment you will not find either children's or women's (XXXS or XXS) models. Usually these are suppliers of expensive limited editions - leather, stylized, airbrushed or pinstripeed. Such as Baruffaldi, or Davida Speedster.

Well-known mass and budget manufacturers, on the contrary, are trying to reach a wide audience, including in their assortment models for teenagers, women's and children's options.

The summary tables do not include data from some manufacturers who do not provide detailed information about the product. If you choose products from one of them, follow a simple rule: among two indicators “adjacent” to yours (for example, M-58 and L-59 cm), choose the smaller one. Taking into account the “shrinkage” of the lining and the ability to remove the soft insert.

Table of motorcycle equipment for children

Some manufacturers add “X’s” to these designations, add Y to the marking, which means “children’s”, or KID – a child protection mark.

Eventually

Even knowing the head size for a helmet, it’s still easy to make a poor choice. Therefore, when ordering motorcycle equipment remotely with delivery, always try to play it safe: first try on a similar model in a store, or ask your friends to try on a specific size from a specific manufacturer. Leather motorcycle overalls, motorcycle boots, and even gloves can seriously wear out and even become a size larger. Helmets - no, so you need to approach their selection as meticulously as possible, or better yet, buy them with a normal long fitting.

Ventilation

Ventilation is also important for riders during intense riding, when they cover several tens of kilometers in one workout. The child doesn’t care whether there are 12 holes in his helmet or 15, since children usually don’t drive too fast and don’t sweat much. The main thing is that it exists. Just make sure there are still a couple of ventilation holes.

Top 7. Beezy

Rating (2021): 4.67

1540 reviews taken into account from resources: Otzovik, Wildberries

Most talked about

We found the most reviews about the products of the Ukrainian brand Beezy, most of which sound positive and confirm the high quality of the manufacturer’s products.

The Ukrainian brand Beezy is gradually gaining popularity in Russia thanks to the high-quality and comfortable headwear it offers for children of different ages. The largest selection of helmet models is available in different colors and designs. The most popular options are Dino and Cat. The manufacturer uses only high-quality materials - holofiber, cotton and merino wool. The models are equipped with reflective elements, look stylish and modern, and reliably protect from cold and wind. Beezy hats receive quite high ratings from buyers, who are pleasantly surprised and did not initially expect such excellent quality. Many believe that the products are in no way inferior to analogues from popular Finnish and Canadian brands.